Hawaii Books

The other reviews pretty much say it - best guide book I've read, well, to anywhere at all.

I just returned from the Big Island with a large group. We used this book extensively and there were no surprises - it was very accurate and enhanced our first trip to the Big Island, which is so beautiful. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone traveling to the Big Island!

I have nothing but good things to say about this series. The maps (so many of them!) are much easier to use than most others, because of the topographic shading. The trail maps are detailed, and mile markers on the road maps are a great help. The layout is very handy, with sights arranged in the order you would encounter them geographically. Lots of good photos, since so many places can't be adequately described with words.

If you are planning a trip to The Big Island you need to buy this book. We got 5 books from the library before purchasing this book, and this is the one we kept ging back to. Just get it.

I compared it with three other guidebooks, and this one is hands down by far the best. I also like his sense of humor, and his ability to give us foreigners a realistic taste of the local culture. It is down to earth, not superficial, and it must have been a lot of work to write this guide! The first thing I did when I arrived in Oahu for the second segment of my trip was to go to the bookstore at the airport and buy his book for Oahu.

We haven't gone on our trip yet but we'd be lost without this book.
Anything and everything you'll ever want to see, do or eat is in here.
The best $15 I spent in a long time.

I called this book my Hawaiian "bible." I bought it for a 2 week trip to Oahu to visit my sister. It is hands down the #1 purchase for/during the entire trip!

This book lets you know about places you would NEVER know about otherwise! Places just off the beaten trail that are not marked at all from the road. Several places that we went, even my sister and other locals had never even heard about! I took this book with us every where we went, and it was worth every page! The maps are awesome; I knew the geography of Oahu before we even went, just by studying the maps. They came in handy when we were there, too. My sister had given us a huge detailed map book of Oahu, but I found it way to hard to find anything on it, and kept finding myself refering to my Hawaiian "bible" instead. The maps in this book were all that we needed.

I would gladly pay triple what I paid for this book, and have refered it to many people since I purchased it. Even my boyfriend (who is hard to impress) keeps raving about it to everyone when we tell them about our trip, saying how good it was. We got to see and experience things we never would have without it. I mean it when I say "don't go to Oahu without this book!" You won't be sorry.

Yes, this is a must-have for visiting Oahu. I compared a dozen books at the bookstore and this is one of two that I bought (the other being Frommer's "Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu").

The hotel photos at the back already justify the expsense of the book. They're heavily focused on Waikiki but that will satisfy a larger percentage of visitors.

The lists of activities and places to visit are varied and extensive. They'll help plan all kinds of vacation styles. The photos are pertinent and helpful.

Maui locals hate the fact that this book was published. It's got the best recommendations you can find if you're heading to Maui.

Very comprehensive book with a companion Web site. Don't go to Oahu on vacation without it.

Lately I have found I have been judging books by their ability to make me feel emotion. At first I wondered if Moloka'i could do that. This story begins with Rachel as an innocent, naive little girl, suddenly thrown into an unfamiliar world separated from all that she knows and loves. Her character grows into her adult self in this world of isolation just as any young girl would. The author expertly conveys the growth of this character slowly over time.
Shame and prejudice exist all over the world, only Rachel didn't realize that she was never alone until she found her family again.
Moloka'i made me angry and made me cry. This is a wonderful story set in an unusual place and it is a must read on my list.
Linda C. Wright
Author, One Clown Short
One Clown Short

Alan Brennert's "Molokai" is a wonderful story, full of the joy and misfortune that makes for heartfelt reading. It is the story of Rachel, and her family, and her discovery of a mark that would change their lives completely. The characters are tangible, seeming to appear out of time. The depiction of the lush beauty of the Sandwich Islands is splendid. The characters of the captive community are depicted in their glory and their misery. Rachel is not a leper, but one of us, stricken with an insidious disease. Leprosy was treated like a medieval plague, and the casualties left along the way were many, even though the manner of dealing with the disease was effective in the long run. In my own trip to Molokai in 1987, I heard that ships arriving with stricken men, women and children dropped anchor while still away from the shore, and the afflicted were pushed into the water, and had to swim to shore or die trying. It is an ugly moment in our history, and one that needs to be revealed.

I enjoyed reading about the switchback trail along the pali, the looming mountainside which cuts off the leper settlement from the rest of the island, and cuts away the sun during daytime hours. Our group made the trek up, and back, and it was no easy task.

I wanted to give the book five stars, but I was disappointed by how some of the characters were painted by the author. The Franciscan Sisters from Syracuse, led by Mother Marianne Cope, were given short shrift. Brennert gives religious life an insult by showing nuns as misfits for the most part. One gets the feeling that Rachel is far more mature than them all. I am glad that Sr. Catherine was given a human face, but why not some of the others?

And the leper priest, Father Damien was depicted insensitively, coming across more like a stereotypical zealous Evangelical preacher at times. One should know that there were musical instruments, and there were riding horses, and lumber for homes for the residents on Molokai because of his tireless efforts.

Suffice it to say that despite these drawbacks, the book is a must read. It will brighten the life of the reader, who may be able to conceive of God as larger than any human tragedy.

This is such as sweeping, visionary tale. It has characters that are so real and alive, and the juxtaposition of them against their physical torment and obstacles is fresh and moving. This is the first book in a long time that stuck with me long after I read it. A MUST READ!

Moloka'i is an historical fiction that tells the sometimes horrible story of leper patients who lived in Hawaii. There are great things in this book. It will make you weep because it all really happened (except the main characters are fictional). But there is also humor and love and great kindness. It's well written and about a subject that was foreign to me. I learned a lot and read a few other books on the subject afterward to find out more. I highly recommend it. It's a great read.

This was the most engrossing and emotional book I have ever read. There were moments I had to put it down for fear of crying and looking ridiculous for doing so. There were joyful moments and sad moments and everytime I put it down, I had to remind myself I am Tara in Utah, not Rachel in Molokai. Thats how truly potent this story is. You must remind yourself where and who you are. The story starts with Rachel as a child, no leprosy yet and progresses to her diagnosis and being torn from her family. She makes new family though and lives her life to its fullest. The ending will bring tears to the hardest of people. The author was very informative of the history and times without being tedious. I really reocommend this to anyone who has a handicap, disability, or disease and to anyone that has ever made cruel jests at those who do. Those with some kind of impairment will understand and feel for the leper colony and also gain some hope from this story. Those who have made cruel jests, I hope you learn something and perhaps feel some compassion for those you see as less fortunate physcially than yourselves. On the outside, we all have flaws. On the inside some are truly beautiful no matter their physical deformities or differences. That is what this story really speaks to me.

this cookbook is awesome. all of the recipes are fairly simple and are healthy and low fat (most!) and... VEGAN!
from the best restaurant in the world, blossoming lotus, this cookbook has some awesome, flavorful recipes

This book will make you realize that the food choices you make, are not only good for your health but for the planet and all other living beings....we are all connected after all! I found this book very informative, organized and easy to follow. I have loved the few recipes I made already and look forward to making more. I highly recomend it!

This is a beautiful book, with pictures and quotes that are lovely and inspiring. Not to mention that the recipes are really fabulous! Great for entertaining vegan and non-vegan guests and having everyone feeling satisfied and complimenting the chef. The restaurant in Portland, Oregon is well worth the trip, as I'm sure the one in Hawai'i is as well. A must-have for any vegan kitchen.

I'm a vegan living outside NYC. I am a huge fan of your book, the hardcover, it's actually my favorite cookbook. It is beautifully photographed and just a lovely book to own and use in your kitchen!

I've tried about half of these recipes and had good success. Breads, pastas, pizzas, salads, dressings, deserts - it's all here. This is vegan heaven!

I'm excited to use this book to plan our hiking and snorkling on Kuaui in January. It seems well organized, with clear and detailed info, and has additional data re: local good eats spots and museums, attractions, etc.

As much as I like the "revealed" series, this book had more detail (on snorkeling particularly), so it was money well spent.

We used this book every single day we were in Kaua'i. It has the best info of any guide book for Kaua'i if you are there to do any adventuring. A+.

I'm a big fan of this series and have their Maui and Big Island guides on my shelf. I love Hawaii because it's a place where I can totally relax without having to think about my passport getting lost or communicating in another language. This guide for Kauai is so straighforward and not only contains descriptions of all the beaches and trails but talks about the island's history and that's what was so interesting.

When I arrive I always head for the beach first and starting in the Poipu area was my first choice. Shipwreck Beach was the perfect day one place to recuperate from jetlag.

For plenty of reliable advice and outsanding presentation and pictures, these trailblazers are right on.

Guess where my wife wants to take me on her summer vacation? Hint: she likes lush resorts with hiking opportunities.

I've been to the other islands of Hawaii several times, but never to Kauai. I don't need the usual 50 pages of cajoling to enjoy myself that most guidebooks feature, and in this era of goooogle, I certainly don't need out-of-date hotel listings. This is a book crammed with info that I may find useful when I get there, concerning the rugged activities that make flying all those hours worthwhile, written in a plain and honest prose. I'd venture to say that this is the most convincing guidebook I've ever encountered.

Another reviewer complains about the absence of maps. I'd agree that lack fo maps would be a problem, except that the maps one finds in other guidebooks are almost always next to useless. My advice: get a real full-sized map and correlate!

Two books that I'd like to recommend if you're headed Maui way for the first time: Maui Trailblazer and No Worries Hawaii. Both helped us scale down our vacation expenses. We arrived knowing exactly where we wanted to go and never had to resort to organized tours. Budget hotels and restaurants are listed.

Guided around by following the highway milepost markers was brilliant and we never missed a turnoff. They also tipped us off to not leaving anything on our car seats and not parking where we saw broken windshield glass. The Keanae Arboretum (free) and Twin Falls (free) were two favorite stops. There's a nominal entrance fee at the Maui Swap Meet but it is also a must do.

These are not your typical guidebooks. The graphics are clean and the information is easy to get to. There are tons of photos. If you like to travel independently, even if you're not on a budget, I recommend these popular books.

The places we did get to check out were awesome. I know we wouldn't have found the "aquarium" without this book and that was our favorite snorkel spot. I wish we had more time in maui to explore.

Where this one shines: compact and to the point, definitely our style. It covers all of the island and the hikes they list inside Haleakala Crater and near Hana were terrific. Bring your binoculars for the whale and windsurfer action. We had several guides with us, but the most consistent useful information came from this one.

Friends asked us how we saw and experienced so much in just a week and we attribute it to doing our homework first - mapping it all out with the Trailblazer.

The book scales the island down in a very nice way and is easy to follow. Heed their water safety and driving with "aloha" tips. Squirts out all the best things to do and made our daily itinerary decisions slamdunks.

Take it with you on the road. I strongly recommend seeing the Hana Highway in a convertible. Our twisty ride out there in the early morning was awesome.

We decided to visit two islands because we had heard how different they were: Maui and the Big Island. We chose the trailblazer books to guide us since they were both crammed with incredibly helpful information. For hikers and snorkelers and sightseers they are a gold mine. They are written in clear language and the outings are well arranged with accompanying maps.

The tips for getting out to Hana were treasure trove status and put us out in front of the chain of cars we saw heading out at 2pm. Leaving at 7:30 am before the tour buses made all the difference. We could have used another few days on Maui and regret taking only one hike down into the crater. We plan another visit in 2009 and our first order of business will be watching the sunrise on Haleakala and taking a helicopter tour.

Thanks Trailblazers for sharing and demystifying wowie Maui.

A special hotel/flight deal came up on Expedia that we couldn't pass up. We saw all of the Big Island in 7 days with this Trailblazer guide leading us from amazing site, to awesome stretches of beach and way up to the top of Mauna Kea. We liked the good driving directions following the highway milepost markers. Their freebie tips and Best Of lists were also appreciated.

I'd say if you're flying this far, adding a handy guide like this to show you around is a slamdunk.

Amazon carries it for the lowest price and it only took 3 days to reach us.

Two years ago we took a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately we were in port too short a time and only went on a few packaged bus tours. We returned to the island we liked the best (the Big Island) last month and fortunately had the Trailblazer along as our prime guide. We hiked to and swam in the Blue Lagoon which is on the cover: the highpoint of our vacation.

In the back of the book are hotel and restaurant suggestions from which we made our reservations and were quite pleased. For accuracy and good practical advice it's right on target.

Great book, I bought it after having figured out which islands to visit using the book by the same authors, no worries Hawaii, which is a must buy if you don't know where to go and what you want to do. Following input from the first book we picked 1 day Honlolu, 5 days big Island and 9 days Kauai.
The big island trailblazer is unique in that the information on trailheads and how to find them is really really accurate, if you have to follow a dirt road for 2 miles and then stop next to a hidden bridge then that information is there. You rarely spend hours searching for stuff, the detail on where to look for something once you get to the end of the trail is less good, but that is because in the islands appear not to go in for signposts in a big way, so we were often looking at something and wondering whether or not this is it. Best ofs were generally good, didn't understand focus on Hilo, we went there on a Sunday and it felt like a run down sad little town, but maybe on a weekday there is a different vibe. The only negative is that restaurants mentioned a little more information on them to help you chose would help unless you like the sticky table-top ketchup bottle and drip coffee atmosphere and generic grub, this is fine if it is what you want, but you don't need a guidebook to discover such places, of course to be fair the book doesn't target the foodie population nevertheless a little more selectivity would help though or just a little more text on the restaurants. From personal experience if you are staying in Kapaa on Big Island try the restaurant Rapanui, a small hole in the wall joint run by a saturnine chef from New Zealand and his partner, its location is not attractive (in a mall when you enter Kapaa on the coastal road from the north on the left after the bend in the first mall), and it is BYOB but the food is really, really well cooked, from a European stand point, fresh, flavourful, beef melts in your mouth, rice/coconut nuttily satisfying, great, cooked but crunchy veggies, freshly made sauces, not a bottle or deep fryer in sight. Another great place to eat is Jays on the road towards southpoint, before the turn-off to Puuhoonuau (I forget the spelling) national park, two step snorkeling and the painted church from Kappaa, it is described in the guidebook, really spectacular and don't be put off by the appearance of the kitchen/living area. Oh and for sandwiches, a satisfying stop is Choicemart on the Highway 19 approximately in the area of the Manago Hotel, Choicemart is on the left, there is a great Vegan Cafe next to Choicemart and the sandwiches sold there and in Choicemart are spectacular. The locals recommend Choicemarts plate lunch especially on Lau Lau Friday. We tried to get it on Sat and it was all sold out. And the snorkeling at two step was the best we had on the island. Ok after all that digressing: if it is culture/food you are after then you need an additional book or to do some food research ahead of time online, for hiking, biking, walking and general reliable information then the trailblazer is a great book. Another option is to get the No worries Hawaii that has almost all information on all islands best ofs etc and then supplement that with a more foodie cultural guide for the islands depending on what you want. We did this for Kauai, although Fodors Kauai while better on culture etc really did badly for hiking and trails and was way less reliable than the Sprouts books.

This guide gave our vacation itinerary a real boost. It has wonderful timeless images of places and people which simply exude calm, chill, beach culture latitude attitudes.

Photography is top notch and the information is partioned into sections so you can chew off each piece to explore at your leisure depending on how much time you've allowed for your vacation. Trailblazers do it good.

YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK. We have traveled to the big island many times, but still have not discovered or seen everything. This book reaches beyond of the general guide books and one of the other more popular reads about the island. Great for those who are into hiking and especailly for driving tours. Snorkelers will like some of the off the beaten path places to go.

in Hawaii. Pila's consciousness was opened following his Vietnam experience and many Hawaiian secrets have been revealed to him. Here is a compelling account of how you can use the ancient knowledge to improve the integrity of your life. I would highly recommend it if you are visiting the Big Island and even if you are not. Having studied Huna for some years, its one of the few books I can recommend. Dr. Rima Morrell. Author of The Sacred Power of Huna (where I also write about the symbolic meanings of the Big Island and quote Pila), The Hawaiian Oracle and Travelling Magically.

This book by Pila Chiles is so well written and organized considering it's subject matter that it makes reading it an extreme joy. I breezed through this book barely able to put it down. I found the humor and sense of grounding Pila has within himself and his subject matter quite refreshing and original. The book touches on many subjects many dare not speak for fear of labeling or ridicule. Yet Pila comes across with the information in a gentle humorous and touching manner so as to take any bite out of any naysayers. He ponders many things we all have asked ourselves within our lifetimes trying to find answers and he takes the reader back to the past to reclaim our future and make sense of it.

I recently visited the Hawaiian Islands. The moment I stepped off the aircraft and the air hit my face I felt the magic. I started researching and reading everything I could get my hands on to discover the secrets of the islands. Pila's book was the most helpful in explaining the incredible energy of Hawaii. His book is not only a guide to the magical places you can visit, it is also a guide to connecting with spirit and healing your life. A wonderful book that I highly recommend. Although it was written over ten years ago, it is even more relevent as we watch our world rapidly changing. Mahalo Pila!

There are a couple of places where the author veers off a bit but for the most part he draws the reader into the mystical side of Hawaii that captivates the imagination and adds a new layer of "must do" items for ones next visit to the big island.

I particularly enjoyed the parts where he explores the subtleties expressed in the Hawaiian language and how they relate to place names and metaphysical practices and experiences. I think the author does a good job of connecting modern places and practices to traditional Hawaiian belief and faith practices. His chapter on the Big Island's place of refuge is exceptional in this regard.

The book is written in an easy to read fashion... But don't be fooled! Even if you gobble the words down like a good meal.. there is much more you will me digesting...
The essence remembering Joy is something that will forever remain in my heart..!

The information printed within thesepages have absolutely transformed me. I was able to open my heart, see, and believe with confidence and authority that anything is possible. Moreover, he gives you the ablility to begin making your wildest dreams come tru. In addition to his work I suggest that you also check out Abraham-Ester Hicks. I am forever changed and this man has my unwavering appreciation. Thank you for writing this book!

I must Say, that this book is among my "most used" books. I read it often because it holds so very many Answers to things that I question, or have that troubles me, or a dear friend, or my Son.
The "healing" procedures Absolutely WORK (for me). They have, on several occassions that I would have had to "have stiches", otherwise!
Also, the connections it "opens up" with other beings (and matter) and their Energies, on this Planet, and beyond, are nothing short of Fantastic. You will surely notice a stronger connection with all Animals as a result of reading this book.
I "Identify" with the "Merlin Falcoln", on the cover of the book. I see one "visit", flying above my head, or my car, or nearby, just "watching" me. ....Life is so Incredible!

This is an amazing little book by an amazing man. I found much in it that felt utterly familiar, and many new wonderful things which I'm pondering, trying, and incorporating into my daily shamanic practices. Some of them I'd already been doing, or had been heading that direction anyway. The teachings and methods described here go hand in hand with much Celtic shamanic practices and teachings that I've been reading elsewhere. Subtle, and an alternative to improperly coopting Native American spirituality practices.

Urban Shaman is a great book with a lot of very interesting, effective techniques. I have applied several of the techniques contained within this book to my life and have been surprised at just how truly effective this stuff is.

The seven laws as taught in this book as well as some of the exercises are very useful to know...and very effective when used.

Anyone can take something useful from this book if they actually apply the techniques before judging their worth. This book is a definite must read for anyone who is interested in a spiritual approach to improving their life.

Insightful teachings of Aloha. "In Hawaiian the meaning of love is very clear and it provides a useful guideline for loving and being loved. Aloha is the word for love. Alo means to be with, to share an experience, here and now. Oha means affection, joy." {wwwhunaorg}

Serge King has articulated seven principles of Huna:

The world is what you think it is.
There are no limits.
Energy flows where attention goes.
Now is the moment of power.
To love is to be happy with (someone or something).
All power comes from within.
Effectiveness is the measure of truth.

Useful practice for modern shaman students and those seeking ways of exploring new ways of being.

I bought this as sort of a funny gift, but it turns out to be quite useful. It is translated directly from the Greek independent of English versions, so reading from it along with an English bible can give two angles to the same verse, shedding light on something that may have been hidden in translation. Also, it can be used as a great opener to a casual spiritual conversation with a non-believer. I should have bought more!

The Pidgin Bible puts things in a new and interesting perspective. Even if you don't speak Pidgin, you can understand it. I recommend it!!!

Da Jesus Book is the New Testament in the Hawaiian Pidgin language. It will read like a paraphrase to most English speakers but is actually a true translation (done by the highly respected Wycliffe people).
Hawaiian Pidgin is distinct from typical English in several ways. It seems to use only three verb tenses. Some words are used repeatedly for many different things. The vocabulary is extremely limited.
This is what makes it so very wonderful. The Scripture becomes alive in new ways because of the limited vocabulary. For instance; they have no word for 'peace' so they say 'let your heart rest inside', 'sin' becomes 'da bad kine stuff dey like do jus cuz de peopo', 'verily verily' becomes 'ho!', and 'Messiah' becomes 'da Spesho Guy God Goin Send'.
When I use this translation for public reading, the typical initial response is giggling... but after a paragraph or two, fascination sets in as the truth takes on a childlike quality that connects with warmth and emotion. For me, more often that any other translation, people are moved to tears when they hear it read. Most people do not want it to stop. But some people... uh, well, I guess we must always suffer with some people...
Because of the vocabulary, technical parts of the Bible suffer, but then other parts take on new life. For me, Romans is terrible to read in Da jesus Book, but the Gospels and Acts are wonderful.
If you're trying one out, I might suggest Luke 24:13-35 (road to Emmaus), or Galatians 5:19-24 (deeds of the flesh & fruit of Spirit). But beware, they have words which we do not. And it takes practice to read it well. There is a companion CD that you might purchase to help with pronunciation, inflection, and rhythm.
God Bless,
Thomas S Boswell

This is such an excellent translation of the New Testament and just so down to earth. I've never been to Hawaii, but have always dreamed of going. This gave me some insight as to how some of the native Hawaiians think and it was a simpler way to read the New Testament. Great buy!

This book is well written, and true to the Bible's word. It cracks me up, just because I'm from Hawaii, and it's written as the locals actually talk. It actually was easier for me to understand than the King James Version. I love it. I would recommend this to anyone who's a local in Hawaii. Otherwise, the words used would be hard to understand if you're not used to talking in this manner. Very good book. It is only the new testament, not the old testament, so don't expect the whole Bible in this book.